Chicago activists express outrage at Loyola’s action [photo by Ann Scheidler]
Over fifty enthusiastic pro-life activists braved strong, chilly winds at the Westin Chicago River North Hotel Saturday evening to protest the presentation of the Robert Belarmine award by Loyola University School of Law to Lisa Madigan, Illinois Attorney General.
The Pro-Life Action League organized the protest because of Madigan’s strong support for abortion and her pledge during her campaign for the office Attorney General to close down “phony” crisis pregnancy centers. Madigan was endorsed by Planned Parenthood, NOW and other pro-abortion groups.
Malachi sign shows attendees what Madigan supports [photo by Ann Scheidler]
In July 2004, the Catholic bishops issued a statement that “Catholic Institutions should not honor those who act in defiance of our fundamental moral principals. They should not be given award, honors or platforms which would suggest support for their actions.” Yet Loyola went ahead with the Madigan award. Madigan had helped steer several million dollars in state funds to the university.
Award Ceremony Attendees Face the Truth
John Jansen, co-director of the League’s Generations for Life division, and an alumnus of Loyola University, organized the protest of the Law School award’s banquet. Every person who attended the event had to see the graphic abortion signs and statements exposing the travesty of Loyola honoring the pro-abortion Madigan. Demonstrators lined Dearborn Street and Clark Street from the Chicago River to Kinzie, and along Kinzie Ave.
Little Payne girl helps hold a Jesus sign [photo by Ann Scheidler]
A professor from the Loyola School of Law stopped to talk to a few of the pro-life demonstrators and was dumbfounded that anyone would object to Madigan receiving an award. He claimed to be a close friend of Fr. Michael Garazzini, president of Loyola University, and said he would give the Madigan flyer to “Mike.” He also gave an open invitation to the pro-lifers to attend his Saturday morning class in which ethics are discussed each week.
Protest Sends a Signal
Chicago area pro-lifers were eager to protest Loyola’s scandalous award to Madigan not only for its own sake, but to send a signal to Catholic colleges and universities that faithful Catholics will not remain silent when they honor abortion supporters. They hope also to encourage the bishops to stand by their July statement.
